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These new Gearwrench Gimbal Ratchets are available in 1/4″ (blue) and 3/8″ (red) sizes. The ratchets appear to be the same size, except for the square drive ends.

These remind me of a palm ratchet that Gearwrench used to make for Kobalt, but with much beefier build quality. They’re more closely akin to Gearwrench’s Roto Ratchet and Wera’s Zyklop ratchet, but with an additional degree of freedom and limited range of motion.

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Each ratchet features 72-tooth gearing for a 5° swing arc, an anodized aluminum finish, and milled finger-friendly grooves.

As with other palm-style ratchets, these new gimbal ratchets are designed for low-torque applications.

Catalog numbers: 81027 (1/4″), 81270 (3/8″)

Look for these new ratchets starting in November 2013 via select Gearwrench dealers. At least one dealer is currently listed these ratchets as KD Tools products. Both sizes appear to be priced at about $16-21 each.

Personally, I wish that there was a third gimbal ratchet – one sized to fit 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits, but I suppose either of these can be fitted with a screwdriver bit socket adapter quickly and easily enough.

22 Comments

Even though I don’t own any Gearwrench tools because they are not made in the USA, I have always been impressed with their quality. If USA made tools didn’t exist, I would definitely be a fan of Gearwrench.

SODA, I’m with you, if it isn’t made in America, it’s not for me. It’s not because it’s not good but I support American workers. I’m retired from Ford after 38 yrs. & I know not everything is made in U.S.A. but I do my homework & buy a Ford that’s 90% made in the U.S. Yes, they’re Ford’s that are almost totally made in the U.S. Good comment SODA!

Interesting. I like Gearwrench and own plenty of their wrenches and ratchets. Not really sure where id find a use for these,but wouldnt mind having a pair just for show. And your idea for one that uses 1/4 hex bits is a great idea and one id definately like to own.

Interesting, but I trying to imagine in what situation I would ever practically use this. I have use a wobble extension and a universal joint, but in situations where I cannot get my hand, wrench or ratchet close to (limited access). If I have enough room to have my hand on a Gimbal Palm Ratchet, wouldn’t a have enough room to just angle a fixed head palm ratchet (like the Williams Palmster)? This would also provide a straight shot onto the fastener. Again, if I really needed an angled approach and could get my hand in their, I would then just go back to my universal or wobble extension.

What are you talking about? The ratcheting open end combination wrenches have beeen on the market for awhile now. It’s been soo long, Craftsman even has a version. Gearwrench also has ratcheting flex flare nut wrenches, and ratcheting flare crowfeet out too.

Jim–There could still be instances where you would use a universal joint or a wobble extension to get the socket to the bolt, but still not have enough room to turn it fully (as in a tight engine compartment). In those cases, a gimbal ratchet (or even the cheapie finger ratchets from Harbor Freight) would get the job done. Just keep in mind that these types of ratchets can help you turn the bolt down or remove it after initial loosening, but should not be relied upon for final tightening. For that you’ll need a regular ratchet with a long extension and the proper socket (or possibly a flare nut wrench head).

As a follow-up to last year’s comments, I am torn about this ratchet as I look at it again. It appears to be all metal, which I like, but the metal “ring” that you grip is relatively smooth (reducing your grip), and the finger indents are not prominent (i.e., deep), which also reduces gripping capability. I’ve not seen one up close, so I don’t know how well they work, or if the grip issue is a problem; however, it’s something to consider. The Harbor Freight, Titan, et al, versions (which don’t have the gimbal capability but have plastic bodies), are viable alternatives at a much lower price point (from about $3.00-$7.00, depending on where you buy them).

I’m not giving you a homework assignment (I know you’re extremely busy as it is), but a “throwdown” competition between the two types might be interesting. You could give your verdict, and readers could comment on their experience with one or both styles. For starters, either style is basically used for run-down or run-up work (i.e., not for final tightening or initial loosening), so grip may not be an issue for many users.

As for your concern about a third ratchet that would handle hex screwdriver bits (1-inch length), I purchased a PowerBuilt stubby ratchet on Amazon that is two-sided; it handles both 1/4-inch drive sockets and, when you flip it over, 1/4″ hex bits. I believe it has a 72-tooth gear mechanism and gets into some tight areas, so it might be what you’re looking for. It’s lightly knurled at two points on its handle, which gives a good grip without digging into your fingers or palm. It’s built really well (mine has no slop in the ratcheting mechanism), and has a high-polish chrome finish; the overall length is 3-1/4″. I’ve forgotten the price, but it should still be available through Amazon and at the big chain auto parts stores.